PEOPLE
HAPPINESS MATTERS By Toby Brown , Interaction
I spend a lot of time thinking and talking about something that initially seems fluffy – happy workplaces . And I ’ ve come to the conclusion that it ’ s not fluffy at all . A happy workforce is a cheat code for organisational success .
In fact , the happiness of your people is business critical – workplaces with high happiness scores index better on creativity , productivity and accuracy of output . On the flipside , unhappy employees generate 60 % more errors and 40 % more complaints than happy ones . That ’ s a lot of work to undo .
Happiness is an elusive , complex thing to quantify ; salary , community , relationships and opportunities for growth all factor . But it ’ s also something that often feels tangible – sometimes you step foot into a business and you can feel the energy and momentum at play . That atmosphere can be a magnet for top talent , especially in sectors where competition is fierce . Research shows that while 89 % of bosses believe employees quit for more money , only 12 % of people actually leave for a better salary – implying there are many factors that contribute to talent retention beyond cold hard cash ( although it doesn ’ t hurt ).
Happiness in the workplace also correlates with better mental health . When employees feel supported and appreciated , they experience lower stress levels , which leads to fewer sick days . Implementing wellness programs , promoting work-life balance , and a positive company culture are all essential components of fostering happiness . Feeling included is also vital – we ’ re subconsciously programmed to scan for signs we ’ re about to be excluded from our “ tribe ”, which takes away from our cognitive sharpness . These signs might be as obvious as getting the evil eye in meetings , but they might be as subtle as door handles you don ’ t have the dexterity to operate , or a lack of spaces you can retreat to for quiet work and solitude .
“ The single greatest advantage in the modern economy is a happy and engaged workforce ”
Which brings me on to one of the key drivers of happiness in the workplace : the environment itself . A well-designed office that promotes natural light , flexible spaces , and opportunities for collaboration can significantly enhance employees ’ overall wellbeing . When people are comfortable and feel their workspace is designed around them , they ’ re more likely to be happy – and less likely to push out a faulty software update which takes out half the world for a couple of days . For instance .
Investing in a happy workplace is not just about making employees feel good — it ’ s about creating a sustainable , thriving business . Companies that recognise the value of happiness are not only better places to work but better businesses full stop .
As Shawn Achor , author of The Happiness Dividend says , “ The single greatest advantage in the modern economy is a happy and engaged workforce ”.
And let ’ s not forget , according to Glassdoor , 52 % of women and 48 % of men have found love in the office . What could be happier than that ?
Spaces that sustain .
It ’ s tough being a modern workplace . You have to be everything to everybody . Sure , you need to make everyone comfortable , and of course you need to be incredibly adaptable . But you also need to foster inclusiveness and community and nurture people ’ s creativity .
And not only that , you have to do it all in a way that ’ s environmentally and ethically responsible , by integrating eco-friendly materials , energy-efficient systems and biophilic design .
While looking incredible .
It ’ s a lot to ask of an office . But we don ’ t think it ’ s unreasonable .
If you ’ re looking for a new space that can sustain both your people and the planet , get in touch with Interaction today .
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